Jon Jones Not Particularly Excited Over Bout With Ryan Bader

As we noted yesterday, Ryan Bader (12-0) will face Jon Jones (11-1) at UFC 127 on SuperBowl weekend. While there are many that are excited about the two up-and-coming light heavyweight prospects squaring off this February, Jones revealed that he is not one of them. Speaking to Inside MMA this past week, Jones noted that he would like to have more variety in the types of opponents he faces instead of just facing wrestlers.

“I’m actually really sick of fighting this type of style,” said Jones when asked about the prospective match-up. “Matt Hamill, Matyushenko, Jake O’Brien… they all have that similar kind of style. Their main focus is that double leg dive and [they have] sub-par boxing.

“I’m ready to fight some strikers, I’m ready to fight some south paws, I’m ready to really mix it up.”

Bader will be looking to keep his undefeated record in tact when he faces Jones. Since winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2008, Bader has used his formidable wrestling skills to defeat the likes of Eric Schafer, Keith Jardine and Antônio Rogério Nogueira. Jones feels that his wrestling has been underrated, and he once again will be trying to prove the naysayers wrong.

“I’m trying to secure a respect level with my wrestling,” he stated, noting that people will say that Bader will have the advantage in the grappling department. “I’m sure Ryan Bader, the advantage he’ll have going in is to be the better wrestler and I’m going to try and prove the UFC wrong again.”

UFC 127 is expected to take place on February 5, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. While not officially announced, the card is expected to be headlined by UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva defending his title against Vitor Belfort.